Biosettlers - novel scalable devices for solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separations
Lamellar settlers exploit enhanced sedimentation on inclined surfaces and have been scaled up successfully for solid-liquid separations. We have demonstrated these inclined settlers for novel applications in biotechnology, such as selective cell retention devices for mammalian cell cultures. Several biomanufacturing companies have scaled them up in the traditional rectilinear design of inclined settlers extended over a large footprint. We have developed and patented novel easily scalable designs of “BioSettlers” using conical and cylindrical geometries, requiring much smaller footprint, and proven capable of settling the smaller microbial yeast cells. Numerous inclined surfaces inside our BioSettlers enable rapid breaking of oil-water emulsions in extractive fermentations and separation of two liquid phases.
Attaching our BioSettlers to a lab-scale (5L) yeast bioreactor, we have recycled the settled yeast cells back to bioreactor and continuously harvested the clarified supernatant containing a secreted product (viz. brazzein). Consequently the concentration of live and productive yeast cells increases inside the bioreactor to a very high density, thereby increasing the bioreactor productivity for any secreted product such as ethanol, lactic acid, etc. In batch fermentations, we have demonstrated rapid clarification using BioSettlers by flocculating cells, without any filter-aid. We have also demonstrated BioSettlers in liquid-liquid separations, including the rapid breaking of oil-water emulsions formed in extractive fermentations and harvesting of in situ extracted products from small and pilot scale bioreactors.
BioSettlers are highly scalable and have been fabricated in many different sizes and materials, e.g. as single use disposable plastic or reusable (Clean-in-Place), autoclavable (Sterilizable-in-Place) stainless steel devices. BioSettler are proven successfully for solid-liquid separations, including clarification, and liquid-liquid extractions.
About Sudhin Biopharma Co
Sudhin Biopharma Co. is a biotechnology company that develops advanced manufacturing technologies for the biopharmaceutical and cell therapy industries. Their core technology, the BioSettler, is a patented device designed for the efficient, continuous separation and retention of cells in bioprocessing applications. Utilizing inclined or conical settling surfaces, these compact devices enable selective cell retention in perfusion bioreactors, which helps maintain high cell densities and viability. The company offers these settlers in various sizes, ranging from laboratory-scale modules to larger, customizable units, including single-use disposable plastic versions, to facilitate tasks such as cell culture clarification, harvesting, washing, and the concentration of therapeutic biologicals like antibodies, viral vectors, and cell therapy products.
These solutions are designed to address the challenges of traditional biological manufacturing by improving process efficiency and productivity. By providing modular devices that can be integrated into existing bioreactor setups, Sudhin Biopharma assists manufacturers in various sectors, including the production of therapeutic biologics, stem cells, organoids, and viral vaccines. The technology has been demonstrated for applications in both mammalian and microbial cell culture, helping to reduce processing times and improve the yield of secreted products. Through collaborations and grant-funded projects, such as those with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), the company continues to refine and scale its settling technology to support commercial-scale manufacturing and emerging clinical requirements.
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